People who have experienced sexual abuse often suffer consequences for years or even decades. Sexual violations are extremely traumatic, regardless of the surrounding circumstances.
You can pursue financial compensation if you have been sexually abused. Although money won’t undo what happened, it can allow you some financial security and give you the satisfaction of holding someone accountable.
If you have survived sexual abuse and you feel ready to confront your abuser or any other third party that might have contributed to the abuse, contact a Watertown sexual abuse lawyer at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC. Our personal injury attorneys have been fighting for people like you for decades, and we have an impressive track record of success.
The state statutes provide no legal definition of sexual abuse. When someone alleges sexual abuse, they often are alleging unwanted sexual touching without consent. Sexual touching involves the buttocks, sexual organs, or breasts of either the perpetrator or the victim. Sexual abuse also could include activities or conduct intended to achieve sexual gratification in the abuser or sexual humiliation in the victim.
Sexual assault is different from sexual abuse in that it involves forced penetration. However, when a survivor is considering filing a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for a sexual violation, they may do so whether they experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault.
Many people find bringing a legal claim for compensation after sexual abuse or assault empowering and healing, but it’s important to understand how the case is likely to proceed. Sometimes, there is not enough evidence to achieve a favorable result, or the abuser might not have the resources to pay a judgment or settlement. Our Watertown sexual abuse attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi will be candid about the potential strength of your case and provide advice about the best way forward.
Sometimes, an abuser faces criminal charges, but far more often, the abuse goes unreported, and the abuser gets away with their heinous behavior. Whether there are criminal proceedings or not, survivors of sexual abuse could explore a civil remedy.
Bringing a lawsuit in civil court allows a survivor to seek financial compensation for the harm the sexual abuse caused them. If the abuser was charged, the information in the criminal complaint might be helpful in pursuing the civil case, but a lawsuit can be successful even when the survivor never reported the incident.
If the abuser went to trial and was acquitted, there should be no impact on the civil case. A prosecutor must prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a very high standard to meet. Our Watertown lawyers only need to prove it is more likely than not that the defendant sexually abused you. When the case is against a third party like an employer, property owner, or school, proving the defendant did not take reasonable care to prevent the incident or incidents is sufficient to trigger liability.
Sexual abuse can have a devastating impact on all aspects of the survivor’s life. Many survivors develop depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. Sometimes, sexual abuse leads to substance abuse or other addictions.
The effects of sexual abuse may impact a survivor’s:
In the most difficult cases, it can lead to suicide.
You can seek compensation for all the impacts of the abuse when you bring a legal claim against your abuser or a responsible third party. Your compensation could include your medical bills—including mental health treatment and medications—and the economic cost of lost educational or employment opportunities. You also can claim financial compensation for your suffering and its impact on your life and relationships.
Being sexually abused can instill a deep sense of powerlessness. For some people, a claim for compensation is about more than just the money; it’s about taking their power back.
If you are ready to explore your legal options, schedule a consultation with a Watertown sexual abuse lawyer at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC. Initial meetings can be handled in person or remotely, and they are always free. Reach out today.
